There will be more participation in public future meetings of Merton Borough council following two votes at a recent meeting.

Members of the public have been only allowed to participate in meetings of the full council twice a year.

But at a full council meeting on Wednesday (February 1), a motion was passed proposing the Council make an effort to "encourage public questions at every full council meeting" for a year-long trial.

The motion was put forward by the Merton Park Ward Independent Residents and the Liberal Democrats, who hope the trial will become permanent.

And a Conservative-backed motion calling for web casting of high profile Merton meetings also got the thumbs-up.

Councillor Debbie Shears (left), leader of the Conservative opposition, said: "The use of web casting and podcasts could play an important part in helping residents to see how decisions are made that affect them.

"This will be especially useful in committees which debate and vote on planning applications and parking schemes. Meeting rooms regularly fill up with residents for these issues where specific proposals have caused either excitement or concern among the neighbours."